Shelving system

ABSTRACT

A shelving system having a plurality of shelving support units spanned from each other in a parallel fashion along a wall with each support unit having a pair of extensions which project laterally outward from the wall and aperture panels extending therefrom. The aperture panels are configured with a plurality of apertures and a small securing hole positioned adjacent to an outermost aperture. A plurality of cylindrical pipes are coupled between the shelving support units, the pipes being inserted through the apertures and coupled to the shelving support units via a locking mechanism.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/437,079 entitled “Shelving Support Unit” andfiled on May 19, 2006.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to shelving. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a wall-mounted shelving system comprised ofone or more shelving support units which may be used in homes,businesses, and/or industrial settings.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Wall mounted shelving systems are known in the art and allow users tostore items without having to sacrifice and/or dedicate floor space.Such systems are ideal for areas in which square footage is limited orin which maximum use of square footage is desired. FIG. 1 illustrates atypical prior art wall mounted shelving system. As shown in FIG. 1, theprior art wall mounted system is typically comprised of two or moreelongated braces which are positioned in a vertical direction, against avertical support member such as a wall. Brackets or trunnions are thentypically coupled with these elongated braces and positioned to extendlaterally therefrom. Rectangular panels of rigid material (such as wood,glass and/or metal) are then placed to extend across thesebrackets/trunnions, and used to form shelf platforms.

A shortcoming of prior art, wall mounted shelving systems is that suchsystems are often inflexible. First, widths of the rectangular panelswhich form the shelf platforms are fixed and cannot be adjusted.Additionally, users cannot conveniently extend or shorten the length ofthese platforms, as they are typically designed to extend across apredetermined length/spacial distance. This prevents the user fromeasily adjusting the span of such shelving systems. In short, storageneeds of a user tend to change over time and prior art systems do notallow users to easily adapt systems to accommodate changing needs.

An additional shortcoming in the prior art is that shelving platformscomprising bracket or trunnion-based support systems tend to havelimited load-bearing capacity. As described above, trunnion-basedsystems comprise vertical braces that are attached to a vertical wallmember. The vertical braces typically contain slots or apertures thatallow for the insertion/coupling of a pair of brackets/trunnions to thevertical braces. An assembled trunnion-based system results in acantilevered structure, with the shelf platform forming a cantilever.Because cantilevered structures are inherently unstable, trunnion basedsystems are not ideal for heavy loads. Industrial facilities typicallyrequire shelving systems capable of carrying large and heavy loads. As aresult, industrial facilities often have to construct expensive, custombuilt systems, capable of holding heavy loads.

The present invention addresses the above shortcomings by teaching aflexible shelving system in which the width or depth of the shelvingsystem can be easily adjusted for the user's particular purposes. Theinvention incorporates prefabricated steel pipes, or PVC piping to forma shelf platform component of the system. Such materials are widelyavailable to the general public in building material stores and can beeasily cut to the user's specifications. Such materials are alsorelatively inexpensive. Thus the present invention teaches a low costsystem for constructing a sturdy, customized shelving system.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art wall mounted shelving system;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a single shelving support unit usedin the shelving system of the present invention;

FIG. 3, shows a close-up, rear view of one of the mounting plates of ashelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a securing hole for coupling a lockingmechanism to the shelving support unit, in order to secure an outermostsupport pipe in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 a shows an inner close-up view of a locking mechanism forsecuring an outermost support pipe to the shelving support unit inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 b shows an outer close-up view of the locking mechanism forsecuring an outermost support pipe to the shelving support unit inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a shelving system comprised of a pairof shelving support units and support pipes coupled laterallytherebetween in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment for a locking cap used in theshelving system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shelving support unit 1 in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A plurality ofsuch units may be used fo construct an entire shelving system, asexplained and described further hereinafter. In a preferred embodiment,a shelving support unit is constructed as a single steel unit. The unitmay be constructed from less expensive alloys, however, if the needs ofthe user do not require the load bearing capacity of steel. The unit maybe covered with a protective enamel if used in a corrosive environment,such as outdoors or near the ocean.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shelving support unit includes a pair of wallmounting plates 2, allowing for attachment of the unit to a verticalsupport member 3, such as a wall. The mounting plates form a plane thatis parallel to the vertical support member to which it is attached. FIG.3 shows a close-up, rear view of one of the mounting plates of ashelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, each of the mounting plates 2 preferablyhas three holes/openings 4, allowing for attachment of the plate to thevertical support member (i.e. the wall) via attachment means, such asbolts, lag screws, or other concrete anchor or fastening systems, whichother systems are known to those skilled in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 2, adjacent to the plates 2 are multipleextensions 5 projecting laterally and perpendicularly (or roughlyperpendicular), in an outward fashion away from each of the mountingplates 2. The extensions are parallel to each other, with eachprojecting outward to different lengths/distances from their respectiveplates. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, a first extension 20 islonger than a second extension 30. It is understood that this may bealtered such that the first extension may lie either directly above thesecond extension or directly below the second extension depending onwhich direction the shelving support unit is attached against thevertical support member.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, theextensions are actually joined together on an opposite side via avertical member which is formed between the two extensions. The verticalmember is disposed opposite the vertical support member (i.e. the wall)and will preferably be slanted between the two extensions.

Coupled to each of the extensions 20 and 30 and extending in apreferably downward fashion therefrom are multiple aperture panels 6.The aperture panels 6 are provided for creating a shelf platformcomponent of the system and will be used to couple support pipes betweentwo opposing shelving support units. In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the aperture panels 6 are configured with apertures 8having a diameter suitable for insertion of cylindrical pipe componentsavailable at building supply stores. The multiple aperture panels mayprovide gaps 11 of various lengths between the apertures 8. Storage oflarger items will allow for larger gaps 11 and the insertion of multiplepipes; while storage of smaller objects will require smaller gapsbetween the apertures so that said items do not fall through the gaps.

In a preferred embodiment, the outermost aperture 8 has a small securinghole 12 positioned directly therebelow. This hole will be used to couplea locking mechanism to the shelving support unit 1, in order to secureand outermost cylindrical pipe. FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of asecuring hole for coupling a locking mechanism to the shelving supportunit, in order to secure an outermost support pipe in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. When a locking mechanismsis coupled to the shelving support unit, it will prevent a cylindricalpipe from moving horizontally and help to provide one unitary and secureshelving system, as described further hereinafter.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show inside and outside close-up views of a lockingmechanism for securing an outermost support pipe to the shelving supportunit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown, the locking mechanism includes an eyebolt 51 inserted throughthe securing hole and preferably screwed to the shelving support unit onboth sides. The locking mechanism further includes a self-tapping screwwhich is connected between the eyebolt and an outermost support pipe,thereby coupling the outermost pipe to the shelving support unit.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a shelving system in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a fullyassembled system requires multiple shelving support units 1, asdescribed above. Each shelving support unit 1 comprising the systemshould be positioned at an equal height along the wall. A span 8separates two shelving support units. The span between any two unitswill be spaced according to the projected load the user intends to havesupported on the shelving system. Heavier loads will require that thespan between the shelving support units be smaller.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system further includes a shelf platform 9 whichis comprised of a plurality of cylindrical pipes 10, which are widelyavailable in building supply and home improvement stores. The pipes arecut a length that is larger than the span 8 between two shelving supportunits. The pipes are inserted in the apertures located in the multipleaperture panels 6 of the shelving support units. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the assembly will comprise an uppershelf platform 12 and lower shelf platform 13.

Shelf platform widths may vary in size depending on the needs of theuser. Accordingly, the number of pipes inserted may vary such that byadding additional pipes, a wider shelf platform 9 may be created.Additionally, larger shelf platforms may require larger extension sizesand additional apertures, while smaller shelf platforms may requiresmaller extension sizes and fewer apertures. In either event, the usermay modify the number of pipes that are inserted in the holes/aperturesof the aperture panels in order to accommodate the user's intended useof the system.

In a preferred embodiment the pipes which are inserted into the holes/apertures of the aperture panels are covered with locking caps. Thesecaps help protect against any rough edges which may exist when the pipesare cut and also help to keep the pipes in place, thereby ensuring onesecure unit. FIG. 7 illustrates a locking cap in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the locking capis preferably round in shape and designed to fit around the end of thepipe after it is inserted through the apertures. Each locking cappreferably has a diameter slightly larger then the aperture such thatwhen a pair of caps are secured to opposite end of a pipe, they preventthe pipe from sliding or moving horizontally, securing the pipe withinthe apertures.

Manufacture of the present invention is simple. Steel tubes may be bentusing methods known in the art to form the multiple extensions 20, 30and angled bracing portion 7, as shown in FIG. 1. Steel plates may bewelded to the tubes to provide the brackets 2 and multiple aperturepanels 6 provided on the extensions. One inch galvanized steel pipes maybe used to form the shelf platform structure. For a less industrialappearance, injection molded plastic may be used for the extensions andangled bracing portion. Instead of steel pipes, electrical metallictubing, wood dowels, copper piping, or PVC piping may be used for theshelf platform. This list is not exhaustive however and numerousprefabricated materials are suitable for use.

The user is afforded great flexibility using the present inventionbecause the shelf platform can be easily and inexpensively modified whendesired. Steel and plastic piping are readily available and inexpensivewhen compared to custom cut pieces of wood or plastic panels. Expandingor reducing the span of the shelf platform of the present invention onlyrequires a user to go to his local home improvement store to purchasethe piping materials.

In summary, the present invention is a novel, inventive shelving systemthat addresses many of the shortcomings in the art. With respect to theabove description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function, manner and use are deemedreadily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and allequivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings anddescribed in the specification are intended to be encompassed by thepresent invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, while still falling within the scope ofthe invention.

1. A shelving support unit comprising: at least two mounting plates;extensions which project laterally from each of said mounting plates;aperture panels coupled to and extending from the extensions, saidaperture panels configured with a plurality of apertures and a smallsecuring hole positioned adjacent to an outermost aperture, wherein saidsmall securing hole is designed for insertion of a locking mechanismcoupled to said shelving support unit.
 2. The shelving support unit ofclaim 1, wherein the extensions are parallel to each other and each hasa different length.
 3. The shelving support unit of claim 1, wherein theextensions are joined together on an opposite side via a vertical memberformed between the two extensions.
 4. The shelving support unit of claim1, wherein each aperture in the plurality has a diameter suitable forinsertion of a cylindrical pipe through said aperture.
 5. The shelvingsupport unit of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is comprised of:an eyebolt which is threaded through the small securing hole and coupledto the shelving support unit on both sides of the securing hole; and aself-tapping screw coupled between the eyebolt and an outermostcylindrical pipe when it is inserted through the outermost aperture. 6.A shelving system comprised of: a plurality of shelving support unitsspanned from each other in a parallel fashion along a wall, wherein eachsupport unit has a pair of extensions which project laterally outwardfrom said wall and aperture panels coupled to and extending from each ofsaid extensions, said aperture panels configured with a plurality ofapertures and a small securing hole positioned adjacent to an outermostaperture; and a plurality of cylindrical pipes coupled between theshelving support units, said pipes being inserted through said aperturesin said aperture panels.
 7. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein theextensions are parallel to each other and each has a different length.8. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the extensions are joinedtogether on an opposite side via a vertical member formed between thetwo extensions.
 9. The shelving system of claim 6 further comprising; apair of locking mechanisms for insertion into the securing holes inorder to couple an outermost cylindrical pipe to the shelving supportunits.
 10. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein each lockingmechanism in the pair is comprised of: an eyebolt which is threadedthrough the small securing hole and coupled to the shelving support uniton both sides of the securing hole; and a self-tapping screw coupledbetween the eyebolt and the outermost cylindrical pipe when it isinserted through the outermost aperture.